Jonathan Conricus, a retired lieutenant colonel and former Israeli military spokesperson, warns of an impending return to conflict with Hamas, coupled with a potential siege of Gaza to cripple the militant group.
A former top Israel i military spokesman warned that Israel is preparing to resume its war on Hamas with increased ferocity and implement a siege on essential supplies entering Gaza within weeks. Jonathan Conricus, a retired lieutenant colonel who served in the Israel i military for 24 years, expressed his belief that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas will inevitably collapse, even if the scheduled release of three hostages proceeds this weekend.
Conricus, a senior fellow with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and former international spokesperson with the Israel Defense Forces, stated during a visit to Australia that most Israelis, both military and political, anticipate a return to fighting Hamas. He believes it's only a matter of time before Hamas breaches the ceasefire and stops releasing hostages.Conricus asserted that Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, accepted the current ceasefire only because he had a prior understanding that when Hamas violates the agreement, Israel would receive full American backing to launch a decisive campaign against Hamas. This support, according to Conricus, includes adopting siege tactics, such as restricting food, water, and fuel supplies to Hamas, effectively crippling its ability to fight. He emphasized that Israel will have the unwavering backing of the entire US administration.The initial phase of the ceasefire agreement, reached in January, is slated to last six weeks. It involves the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Gaza. Conricus acknowledged that Israel will face international condemnation if it implements more aggressive military tactics, particularly after accusations of genocide and war crimes for its conduct during the war against Hamas. However, he dismissed these concerns, stating that Israel will proceed with the strategies and tactics necessary to defeat Hamas despite the criticism. Israel's military has called up reservists in preparation for a potential resumption of fighting in Gaza. This follows Hamas's announcement that it would not release three additional Israeli hostages on Saturday and accusations against Israel for violating the ceasefire by restricting the entry of tents and prefabricated homes into the devastated Gaza Strip. While Hamas later retracted its statement and confirmed the planned release of the hostages, the long-term viability of the ceasefire agreement remains increasingly uncertain
HAMAS ISRAEL CEASEFIRE GAZA WAR MILITARY SIEGE HOSTAGES INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
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